Assessing the Walkability of Nagpur City at Neighborhood Level Using Walk Score Index

The degree to which a neighborhood is walkable is referred to as walkability. The ability to walk is the core of a sustainable city. Walking, other than bicycling, is a ‘green’ mode of transportation that, in addition to reducing crowding, has a low environmental impact, is energy efficient, and produces no air or noise pollution. Walkability promotes compact energy-efficient urban development and the development of socially and environmentally sustainable city districts as well. The incorporation of walkability assessments into urban planning processes has the potential to be a valuable supplement by taking into account important quantitative and qualitative aspects of walking in cities. Several walkability assessment tools have been developed to quantify and evaluate the pedestrian environment. This paper discusses various tools used to measure walkability. Seven locations from Nagpur city, with varying residential and commercial use, had been selected for assessment of walkability. The walk score tool has been used as a measuring tool, it is both easy to access and use. It quantifies walkability based on proximity and accessibility to various amenities. The study found that neighborhoods with amenities such as parks, schools, grocery stores, and other essential services located within a close proximity are more likely to be rated as highly walkable. The research concludes that having these types of amenities available in a neighborhood is a key factor in promoting walkability at the local level.